Learn Piano Now (Level 5) with Dr. Nathan

*** Back-to-School Special! ***
Use Coupon code NATHAETGFG40 by August 31, 2023 for $40 off your tuition!

Level 5 of Learn Piano Now expands the technical foundation that began in Levels 1 - 4. It is possible, however, for a student to skip to Level 5 if they understand basic rhythms (quarter, half, dotted half, and whole notes, and quarter rests), know the musical alphabet, can identify the musical alphabet on the white keys, can identify musical intervals (2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths), play legato and staccato, and play simple songs on the grand staff using all five fingers. The classes listed below are sequenced to maximize musical development and continue enjoyment at the piano. Students will be engaged with rhythm games, slides, ear training, music history, and even composition. By the end of level 5, learners will play several new songs, regularly read standard notation, and experience several ear training exercises. As we learn new material, we will continue developing proper posture and hand position and have several designated performance times. 

Week 1: Review Levels 1 - 4
Level 5 begins with a review of previous levels. Students will be engaged in several activities to assess what they remember and how familiar they are with previous material. We will use a 5-finger pattern to review playing hands together and learn a two-handed version of "Ode to Joy." 

Week 2: Grand Staff
A new piece by Dr. Nathan will explore the entire grand staff by crossing hands in week 2. Students will also get to work on composing in the treble clef.

Week 3: Half Step
In week 3, we will play every white and black key in an octave as we learn about half steps. A chromatic etude will prepare us for learning about sharps and flats later in Level 5. 

Week 4: Sharps
We started learning "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in Level 4, but needed to learn about sharps before completing the entire piece. In this class we will finish learning the piece together and then discover how to notate sharps.

Week 5: Half Rest
In Week 5, we will review "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and then will add a part for LH. After focusing on the bass clef, students will also get to create another composition.

Week 6: Flats
Students will learn how to notate flats after playing them in "Be Thou My Vision." We will also practice identifying intervals both by sight and by ear. 

Week 7: Whole Steps
During class, students will experience the whole-tone scale in a new piece by Dr. Nathan and will also get to improve with this new group of notes. Dr. Nathan will also conduct several rhythmic ear training exercises.

Week 8: Fermata
For Week 8, students will have another chance to perform for each other. We will add another new musical concept to the "Congratulations Song" - the fermata. We will also use these performances as an opportunity to review posture and hand position at the piano.